Abrams: More Sequel Talk

J.J. Abrams spoke about the sequel to Star Trek XI at the DVD/Blu-ray launch party several days ago, answering questions about his availability for the movie as well as questions regarding whether a familiar Star Trek villain would be part of the story.

One of the things Abrams would like for the sequel is to have it be more successful overseas next time. He believes that the quality of the cast and film will help in that regard. “The hope…the idea of looking at ways that hopefully the quality of the cast of the first film, the fun of the movie that that will eventually over time touch people who would not normally have gone to see the film in theaters [so] that when a sequel comes out, they’re converts because they’ve actually seen the film that was made originally,” he said.

Abrams said that it was too early to talk about themes in the sequel, and when asked about the possibility of Khan making an appearance, his answer left the door open for the genetic superman. “We’re not even at that stage yet,” he said. “The fun of where we are on the sequel is we could use some of what was done before in a new way. But we haven’t even figured out what we would use it as, it’s very early on.”

It’s looking like Star Trek XII will be released in 2012. Addressing that, Abrams said, “The more time you have, the more time you have to use to hopefully make a better movie.”

And will Abrams be back for Star Trek XII? “In theory, I would be available, it would be fun to do.” Abrams will be directing an unnamed film next year (precluding his doing Mission: Impossible IV) but would be free for Star Trek XII, if everything works out for that.